Children's Home Society of Florida

The Children's Home Society of Florida (CHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to children and families across the state. Founded on November 17, 1902, in Jacksonville, Florida, CHS has a legacy spanning over a century, focusing on improving the welfare of vulnerable children and families.

Mission and Activities

CHS is committed to embracing children, inspiring lives, and advocating for change. The organization's mission is to rescue and support children struggling to survive on their own, with a focus on breaking generational cycles of child abuse, fostering protection and healing, and creating stronger, more stable families[3]. CHS offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Early Childhood Services: CHS supports parents and caregivers with children from birth to age five through its Healthy Families program, which helps nearly 100% of families remain intact and out of the foster care system[1].
• Mental Health and Counseling: CHS provides mental health care, counseling, and innovative therapeutic approaches such as play and art therapy[5].
• Foster Care and Adoption: The organization specializes in foster care licensing and supportive services for adoptions[1].
• Community Schools and Outreach: CHS is a core partner in 27 Community Partnership Schools models throughout Florida, helping to transform student outcomes by connecting students with medical, dental, and educational resources[1][5].
• Legislative Advocacy: CHS engages in legislative efforts to ensure continued funding for its programs and support for policies benefiting children and families[3].

History and Impact

Established before significant milestones like the invention of bubble gum or the Model T Ford, CHS has been at the forefront of child welfare in Florida for over 120 years. The organization played a role in the development of compulsory education and child labor laws in the United States[1]. Today, CHS serves more than 60,000 children and family members annually across 15 divisions in Florida, employing over 1,800 staff[3].

Financial Support and Governance

The Children's Home Society Foundation, Inc., established in 1990, supports CHS by securing and managing charitable gifts, including endowments. As of FY2024, it manages over $30 million in net assets to support critical research, training, and innovative services for children and families[2]. The Foundation operates independently with a separate IRS designation but works closely with CHS to ensure long-term financial stability and impact[2].

Leadership

The organization is led by President and CEO Andry Sweet, who also serves as the Vice-chair of the Children's Home Society of America. This national association aligns with CHS's mission to advance child, family, and community well-being[4].

[1] https://chsfl.org/blog/childrens-home-society-of-florida-celebrates-120-years-of-inspiring-good/ [2] https://chsfl.org/foundation/ [3] https://www.orlandofamilymagazine.com/index.php/all-articles/childrens-home-society-of-florida/ [4] https://www.chsamerica.org/about/ [5] https://chsfl.org/home-page/120-years-of-inspiring-good/